Enalapril is an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor. It blocks a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This makes blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to get to your heart and other organs.

Benicar (Olmesartan) is an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB). It blocks a chemical that tightens blood vessels. This makes blood vessels relax, which lowers blood pressure and allows more blood and oxygen to get to your heart and other organs.

› Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.

› Requires routine blood tests to check kidney function.

› Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.

› Requires routine blood tests to check kidney function.

Sex

No specific sex-related info.

No specific sex-related info.

Sleep

No specific sleep-related info.

No specific sleep-related info.

Weight

No specific weight-related info.

› Benicar (Olmesartan) has been reported to cause severe diarrhea and weight loss unexplained by other causes. Stay hydrated and notify your doctor if you continue to have more than 3-4 loose stools a day.

Upsides and benefits

Enalapril

Benicar

› The only ACE inhibitor that doctors can give through an IV if that's needed.

› A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.

› Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

› Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.

› Recommended for anyone with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.

› Similar to ACE inhibitors (like Lisinopril), with fewer side effects like cough and swelling.

› A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.

› Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.

› Protects kidney function, which is especially useful for people with diabetes or mild-to-moderate kidney disease.

› Recommended for anyone with heart failure since it lowers the risk of death and further damage to your heart.

Downsides and risks

Enalapril

Benicar

› Up to 1 in 10 people can get a dry cough with this medicine. It ranges from a mild tickle in the throat to a persistent hacking cough.

› Compared to other ACE inhibitors, less flexible on when you take it. Enalapril needs to be taken multiple times a day on an empty stomach.

› Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.

› Not safe to use if you're pregnant.

› Not available in less expensive generic form.

› Requires a yearly blood test to see how the medicine is affecting your body.